The upcoming 2008 presidential election is an exciting time in America. It foresees monumental change in the workings of the country and allows for Americans to have their opinions heard. In this current election year, more voters between the ages 18 to 30 have come out to vote than in the past 30 years. An estimated 44 million people between 18 and 29 years old will be eligible to vote in the 2008 election, which constitutes one fifth of the voting population. 49 percent of the eligible voters came out to the polls in 2004. Think about the power that 100 percent, or 44 million people could have in determining our country’s next president. It is just as important that young voters be informed about the issues.

We are lucky to live in a country where free education is available for all and everyone has had experiences in education during his or her life. However, the United States Education System is far from perfect. Educational issues will be a fore front topic in the upcoming election, ranging from the affordability of college to dropout rates to some children entering kindergarten already behind their peers. We have created a comprehensive and approachable voters’ guide that specifically addresses key issues in education.

Highlights:

Charters and Choice
As more and more public schools fail to meet the needs of students, reformers have demanded school choice in the form of voucher programs or charter schools. How can we give students options when their public schools are failing them?

College Access
Given the failing economy, rise in college tuition costs, and unequal primary and secondary education, college has become less than accessible for most Americans. Will the '08 nominees change the outlook on limited and unequal college accessibility?

The Dropout Dilemma
Dropout rates are rising in this country and lead to many subsequent individual and societal costs. What are the costs of dropping out and how do the presidential candidates propose to address this dilemma?

Now Child Left Behind
NCLB has become a facet in today’s school system and is widely debated among candidates. What exactly does NCLB state and how is it affecting our education system?

Early Childhood Education
Early childhood programs are essential to later school success and many of these programs intend to make sure that children do not enter school already behind. How can we ensure that all children are equally prepared to enter Kindergarten?

Teachers
Quality teachers can have significant impacts on student achievement. However, schools continue to face issues of teacher recruitment and retention. Why are we struggling to recruit and retain teachers and what are candidates proposing to solve these issues?

School-To-Work
Initiated as a means to bridge the gap between secondary education and life in the professional workforce, school-to-work programs can possibly aid a struggling U.S. economy by placing stronger applicants into the labor market. In this current economy, should lawmakers place further emphasis on federally-funded school-to-work programs? Moreover, do they work?

Disruptive Innovators
A look at ten organizations and individuals who are bringing innovation to education.

How It Works:

All pages on this website provide summaries and information on these specific issues in education and indicate where each current presidential candidate stands. Each page also provides additional links to outside information sources.

Who are We?

We are students from Carleton College who have an interest and passion for educational issues. We have created this online voter’s guide as a senior project to make information accessible during this election year.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact our professor and advisor, John Ramsay.